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History

History

The Birth of Ashok Motors

Founded by Raghunandan Saran, Ashok Motors was set up in collaboration with Austin Motor Company, England and incorporated on September 7th for the assembly of Austin cars.

The first A40 assembled

Production began in September at the factory situated at Ennore, north of Madras, and soon the first indigenously assembled A40 Austin car was rolled out.

Ashok Motors and Leyland, UK agree to collaborate

An agreement was reached between the two companies and Ashok Motors got sole rights to import, assemble and progressively manufacture Leyland trucks for seven years.

Assembly of Leyland chassis commences

The first Leyland chassis assembled by Ashok Motors at Ennore were four Comet 350-engines tippers sold to the Mangalore Tile Factory.

Government approval for manufacture of commercial vehicles

The Government approved the progressive manufacture of Leyland commercial vehicles and a license for the manufacture of 1,000 Comets a year was granted.

Ashok Motors becomes Ashok Leyland

Named after Raghunandan’s son, Ashok, the company was renamed ‘Ashok Leyland’ with equity participation from Leyland Motors, Ltd.

India’s first double-decker arrives

‘Titan’ - The first Indian-made double-decker with 50% indigenous components was launched.

A revolution in steering

For the first time, power steering was featured on commercial vehicles.

A specially designed vehicle for the Indian Army

1,000 numbers of the 6x4 ‘Hippo’ Tipper was designed and delivered to the Indian Army based on its specific requirements.

Production target upped to 10,000 vehicles a year

The license to manufacture 10,000 vehicles a year was granted

Turnover tops Rs. 1,000 million

Ashok Leyland’s turnover for the first time crossed Rs. 1,000 million

The Viking appears

The ‘Viking’, the first ever bus with an alternator and a unique front overhang that facilitated front entry hit the Indian roads

A Cheetah bounds into the frame

India’s first rear-engine bus – ‘Cheetah’ was introduced with mixed reactions from drivers. While it cut off much of the heat, their complaint was that they “could not hear the engine!”

Hosur plant starts operations

The Company’s second plant – Hosur 1 – was inaugurated by M. G. Ramachandran, the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

Two major new truck introductions

India’s first 13-ton truck – ‘Tusker’ with a 125 hp engine was launched followed by the country’s first multi-axle truck – ‘Taurus’.

India’s first Vestibule bus introduced

India’s first vestibule or the articulated bus was introduced ushering in a whole new concept in urban travel.

Manufacturing footprint expands northwards

Two new manufacturing facilities at Bhandara (Maharashtra) and Alwar (Rajasthan) were inaugurated in March and August respectively.

Technical Centre ready

The Company’s Technical Centre at Vellivoyalchavadi, on the outskirts of Madras was ready equipped with much-needed testing tracks.

First Indian auto company to receive ISO 9002 certification

This was followed two years later with the ISO 9001 Certification.

First driver training facility set up

The most comprehensive driver training facility in India’s private sector was set up at Namakkal, right in the heart of Tamil Nadu’s trucking community.

Hosur Plant II inaugurated

The second plant at Hosur was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister, Deve Gowda, in December.

The Stallion rides for the Indian Army

The Stallion, an all-terrain logistic vehicle, was inducted into the Indian Army.

India’s first CNG bus launched

As a major step in developing alternate fuel for mass transportation, India’s first CNG-powered bus was handed over to the BEST (Brihan Mumbai Electricity Supply and Transport), Mumbai

Another innovation in alternate fuel technology

The country’s first Hybrid Electric Vehicle was developed and showcased at Auto Expo 2002.

First Indian auto company to receive BS 7799 certification

For Information Security Management System

A Stag crosses the border

When the Srinagar – Muzzafarabad road route was open for traffic, the first vehicle to cross from the Indian side was a Stag bus, flagged off by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi.

Acquisition of AVIA

The truck business of Czech Republic-based AVIA came into the Company’s fold

Agreement inked with Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority

For the setting up of a bus assembly plant in the UAE, which was later inaugurated by Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah in 2010.

Joint venture with Continental AG, Germany

The JV was with then Siemens VDO, for the development of automotive Infotronics.

Carrying the dreams of a nation

An Ashok Leyland double decker bus carried the victorious World T20 cricket team, under the leadership of M S Dhoni, on their lap of honour through the streets of Mumbai.

Joint Venture with the Alteams Group, Finland

For the production of HPDC (High Pressure Die Casting) extruded aluminum components

Joint Venture inked with John Deere, USA

For the manufacture of construction equipment products.

Albonair, GmbH established

For the development of clean and green technologies.

India’s first Hybrid CNG Plug-in Bus

Showcased at Auto Expo 2010 and later did service during the Commonwealth Games moving VIPs and media at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

Pantnagar plant inaugurated

The Company’s modern, technologically world-class and largest plant went on stream with a capacity to touch 75,000 vehicles.

The U-Truck platform launch

The new, future-ready U-Truck platform entered the market with the promise of a holistically superior level of trucking.

Stake in Optare plc.

As part of its global bus strategy, the Company bought 26% stake in Optare plc, a well-known bus maker in the UK. Subsequently, the stake was increased to 75.1% in January, 2012.

A full range player with DOST

Entry into the LCV segment.

Enters the construction equipment space

October 2011 saw the launch of a new brand – LEYLAND DEERE – and the unveil of the first product from the Ashok Leyland – John Deere joint venture – the 435 Backhoe Loader.